A National Treasure

Frank Evangelista, from International Pharmaceuticals, Inc., explains how partnering with Shell has been good for business.

We’ve got a good deal. Making the switch to Shell was the right decision for our business.

Frank Evangelista, International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Walk into most major supermarkets or pharmacies and there will be products made by International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) somewhere on the shelves.

Its brands, which include Omega Pain Killer, Casino Rubbing Alcohol and Efficascent Oil, are firm favourites in the Philippines – IPI has been producing Efficascent Oil since the company was founded in 1959. Since then, thanks to the company’s guiding philosophy of continuing research and development, its roster of products now covers pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, soap, cosmetics, herbal remedies and essential oils.

Head of IPI’s Motorpool Department Frank Evangelista is a long-standing member of the IPI family – he has enjoyed a 29-year career with the company to date. The company’s fleet is his responsibility; a total of 800 vehicles that comprises sedans, SUVs and trucks. His drivers have been using Shell fuel cards for the past four years. “Since we chose Shell, we’ve been getting more kilometres per litre,” says Frank.

The fleet works out of the company’s base in Cebu City and services a network of branches strategically located all over the Philippines, including Metro Manila, Dagupan City, Villasis, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Tuguegarao City and Cagayan Valley, plus Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis and Zamboanga.

IPI’s drivers must make deliveries across this network of branches. “It is a challenge for them,” says Frank, “but they all do their best to make sure deliveries are not late.”

IPI’s partnership with Shell helps drivers adhere to their schedule. “The availability of Shell filling stations all over the Philippines was the main reason we made the switch to Shell fuel cards,” says Frank.

“The convenient location of the Shell stations means our drivers do not have to go out of their way for fuel and can make their deliveries on time.”

Frank is happy with the relationship between IPI and Shell. “We’ve got a good deal,” he says. “Making the switch to Shell was the right decision for our business.”